The Life of IVAN LEE SPENCER
Ivan L. Spencer, 79, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on July 3, 2011, after a long courageous battle with lung cancer.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Friday, July 8, 2011, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, at the funeral home.
Born December 3, 1931, Ivan Lee Spencer was the son of Rubert and Marvel (Stutsman) Spencer in Adelphi, Iowa. He grew up and graduated from Runnells High School in 1951. After graduation, Ivan enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in the Korean Conflict.
Ivan worked as a Maintenance Man for Bookey Packing, and later retired from Younkers as an Electrical Engineer. In his free time he enjoyed playing softball as a catcher, and was inducted into the Adelphi Softball Hall of Fame in 1995. Ivan also enjoyed working in his shop on lawn mowers and snow blowers, or lending a helping hand to someone when needed. Most of all he loved spending time with his wife and family.
Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Christina “Tena”; daughter, Natalie (Gary) Martin; sons, Tim (Jhoana) Spencer, and Mike (Terry) Spencer; seven grandchildren, Ashley, Tyler, Kara, T.J., Kaylee, Amber, and Nicole; one great-grandson, “Lil” Ronnie; and brother, Corky (Harlene) Spencer.
Ivan was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Vicki Parsons; brothers, Darrell, Leon, and Raymond Spencer; and sisters, Donna Cameron, and Norma Jean Rivas.
The family would like to thank Pastor R.D. and De Streeter and friends of Staves United Methodist Church for all their love and support through our difficult time. Also they would like to thank their beloved friends, Iowa Home Care-Hospice, especially Monica and Sharyl, and Dr. Mark Westberg and Jan at John Stoddard.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Staves UMC or Taylor Hospice House.